Package containing a window and a performance characteristic indicator

ABSTRACT

A package including a container that has a layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The layer forms an interior space, and the container has a first window only on a portion of a first side of the exterior surface. The container has in the interior space a plurality of absorbent articles that are the same type. Each absorbent article has a thickness and substantially the same absorbent capacity, and each absorbent article is individually wrapped in a wrapper. The exterior surface of the container has a first signal color corresponding to the absorbent capacity, and each of the wrappers have a second signal color corresponding to the absorbent capacity, the second signal color being a same hue but a different intensity than the first signal color. In addition, at least a portion of the thickness of at least one of the absorbent articles can be viewed through the window.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No.13/085,767, filed on Apr. 13, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,709, whichis a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 12/714,952, filedon Mar. 1, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,420, which is a continuation ofprior U.S. application Ser. No. 11/650,822, filed on Jan. 8, 2007, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,694,818, which is a continuation of prior U.S.application Ser. No. 10/607,683, filed on Jun. 27, 2003, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,185,761, which is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/011,192, filed on Dec. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,705.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a package for containing and dispensingabsorbent articles. Proper selection and use of such articles iscommunicated by means of using a distinctive coding system associatedwith the articles and their packaging, and a window that displays thethickness of the article. In preferred embodiments, the inventionrelates to absorbent articles for absorbing bodily fluids, especiallymenses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, some of the problems associated with the proper selectionand use of such articles is traceable to modern developments in thetechnologies used to improve consumer satisfaction. Improvements made inmodern absorbent articles in an effort to increase in-use comfort andconsumer satisfaction have resulted in the proliferation of sizes,shapes, conformations and brands in the field of disposable absorbentarticles such as feminine care articles. Because of the proliferation ofsizes, shapes, conformations and brands in the field of disposableabsorbent articles, customers have difficulty differentiating betweenthe many types of articles and the variations of articlecharacterizations within these article types.

Differentiation and selection of consumer articles on store shelves isdifficult due to the many types of articles and variations of articlecharacterizations within these article types. Differentiation andselection of articles is also particularly difficult when the artwork,color, and/or shape of the package changes. In addition, differentiationand selection of catamenial articles on store shelves are particularlydifficult due to the many choices of article absorbencies such as: lightabsorbency, regular absorbency, and extra absorbency and articleconfigurations, for example, daytime articles, nighttime articles,winged versions and the like.

Consumers do not make the proper selection because they are uncertain ofthe size, shape, and bulk of the absorbent article. A contributingfactor to the consumer's uncertainty occurs when a consumer is not ableto estimate by visual inspection the size, to shape, and bulk ofabsorbent articles such as baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and adultincontinence garments. As a result of the consumer's uncertainty, theconsumer may make an inadvertent selection of a low absorbencycatamenial for use on a high flow day, which can result in considerabledissatisfaction. Whatever the reason, it is problematic for amanufacturer when a well-designed article is judged by its users to besub-optimal in performance, when the real problem stems from selectionerrors, which result in misuse.

Moreover, the consumer may solve the problem of lack of visualinspection by undesired means. Where the package does not show thearticle visually, consumers may resort to opening the package tovisually inspect the article. Although the consumer may be satisfiedabout visually inspecting the article, the package of articles are leftopen and may not be resalable. Thus, allowing the customer to visuallyinspect the article through the package is a benefit to the merchantand/or owner.

Proper selection of consumer articles requires explicit labeling and/orinstructions. Despite considerable attention being given to suchmatters, mistakes continue to be made by consumers. In some instances,the consumer may be inattentative, unable to determine the thinness orthickness of the article, or may have a limited amount of time to make aselection of a given article. In others, linguistic difficulties maycontribute to improper selection and usage.

Typical instructional matter pertaining to the proper selection and useof absorbent articles conventionally comprises printed text, pictures,diagrams, labels, and combinations thereof. The objective of any optimalinstructional matter is to be univocal, i.e., to convey a messageregarding proper selection and usage in such a clear, concise, and exactmanner that essentially any user, regardless of distractions or adverseconditions, is prompted to choose and employ the article correctly.

Often color is used to convey a particular performance characteristic ofa given article. For example, at least one manufacturer of catamenialtampons uses color-based signals on both the outer packaging and thewrapper of such tampons to denote absorbent capacity. In such articles,different colors are used to represent different article characteristiclevels (in this case absorbency). For example, a green band on thepackage and wrapper of a tampon might signal a “super” absorbencytampon, while a blue band might signal a “regular” absorbency tampon.

Moreover, a woman's menstrual cycle is typically characterized byinitial “mild flow” days, followed by “medium flow” days, and concludingwith “low flow” days. In order to meet the need for feminine protectionduring the entire sequence, at least one manufacturer has begun the saleof kits, which contain multiple disposable absorbent catamenials havingextra, regular, and light absorbent capacities, respectively. In thisway, the need for protection can be met with as little discomfort aspossible to the user over the entire menstrual cycle. Alternatively,light, regular, and extra absorbency articles can be sold separately oras a complete line of articles. Compliance with the prescribed sequenceof usage is a prerequisite for the successful completion of anymulti-phase regimen. This also applies to the aforesaid kits.

Accordingly, the proper usage of extra, regular, or light capacityabsorbent articles begins with the proper selection of such articles.The present invention provides an easy and intuitive package forselecting the proper absorbency, which provides a consumer benefit andensures that the right article will be taken home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A package including a container that has a layer having an interiorsurface and an exterior surface is provided. The layer forms an interiorspace, and the container has a first window only on a portion of a firstside of the exterior surface. The container has in the interior space aplurality of absorbent articles that are the same type. Each absorbentarticle has a thickness and substantially the same absorbent capacity,and each absorbent article is individually wrapped in a wrapper. Theexterior surface of the container has a first signal color correspondingto the absorbent capacity, and each of the wrappers have a second signalcolor corresponding to the absorbent capacity, the second signal colorbeing a same hue but a different intensity than the first signal color.In addition, at least a portion of the thickness of at least one of theabsorbent articles can be viewed through the window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is the front view of a container of thin maxi sanitary napkins.

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acontainer.

FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of a wrapper.

FIG. 2 c is a perspective view of a wrapper.

FIG. 2 d is a perspective view of the color spectrum.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a container for a kit containing maxi sanitarynapkins, thin maxi sanitary napkins, and ultra sanitary napkins.

FIG. 4 is the color line for white, gray, and black.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring primarily to FIG. 1, the package illustrated is a flexiblecontainer 27 made from a layer 29. Layer 29 has an interior surface andan exterior surface. Layer 29 is folded and secured together. Thecontainer 27 has a length, width, and a height dimension. The containerhas a front face 31, a rear face 32, a side face 33, a side face 34, atop face 35, and a bottom face 36. The container may be any shape knownin the art. For example, the container may have a polyhedral shapedefining or forming a polyhedral enclosure.

The interior 28 of the container 27 defines an interior space 2 forcontaining absorbent articles 6. The absorbent articles 6 may all beidentical to one another or may be different absorbent articles 6.

The absorbent articles 6 are arranged to form a stack 30 within theinterior space 2 of the container 27. The articles 6 may be stacked inany direction. As used herein, the term “stack” is meant an orderlypile. For example, the articles may be stacked vertically, horizontally,or at any angle inside the interior 2 of the container 27.

The container 27 may include at least one gusset 3 integrally formedwith at least one side face 33 or side face 34, and a means foraccessing the interior space 2 for easy access to the article 6. Themechanism or means for accessing the interior space 2 can be a line ofperforations 8. In other alternative embodiments, a means for accessingthe interior space 2 can be tabs and adhesive openings. The mechanism ormeans for accessing the interior space 2 can be any means known in theart.

The layer 29 may be composed of different materials or may be composedof to substantially the same type of material. The layer 29 may becomposed of one layer 29 or a laminate. The material can comprise ofblown or cast film in a blend of low density polyethilene and linear lowdensity poliethylene, metallocenes, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn,polyethylene terephtalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, and/ornylon.

In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to color and/ordesign indicators for use with absorbent articles and the absorbentarticles' corresponding packaging. The use of different colors can beused to signal absorbency or other article performance characteristicssuch as size and strength.

An article's performance characteristic is the consumer recognition ofthe execution of a particular characteristic of the article. As usedherein, the term “characteristic” refers to any distinguishing trait,quality, or properties of the article.

Within the context of this description, the article's performancecharacteristic can be indicated by the color, shape, size, or the likeof the article. For example, an outer package contains super absorbentsanitary pads individually wrapped in an orange wrapper. The orangecolor of the wrapper is the indicator for the performancecharacteristic, which indicates super absorbency. The orange color ofthe wrapper provides the consumer with an easy identification of thearticle. The window in the outer package reveals any portion of theorange wrapper and/or the thickness of the sanitary napkin. Thethickness of the product is also an indicator of the product'sperformance.

The term “color,” as used herein, is a visual effect resulting from theeye's ability to distinguish the different wavelengths or frequencies oflight. The apparent color of an object depends on the wavelength of thelight that it reflects. In white, or normal light, an opaque object thatreflects all wavelengths appears white and one that absorbs allwavelengths appears black. To describe a color with reasonable accuracy,three basic properties have been designated to identify the dimensions,or qualities, of color: 1) hue, the name of a color as found in its purestate in the spectrum i.e., that attribute of colors that permits themto be classified as red, yellow, green, blue, etc., or as anintermediate between any contiguous pair of colors; 2) value, thelightness or darkness of a color; 3) and intensity, the degree of purityor strength of a color. While a wide palette of colors can be employedherein, it is preferred to use a member selected from the groupconsisting of white, orange, purple, lavender, red, green, blue, yellow,violet, gray, brown, and black.

Referring to FIG. 1, at least one signal color 7 is placed on thewrapper 9 of the article 6 and at least one signal color 21 is placed onthe exterior surface 38 of the outer container 1. Signal colors 7, 21may be placed in any graphic or shape such as droplets, circles,parallelepipeds, or the like. The signal colors 7, 21 may be in anyconvenient size. The signal color 7 may encompass the entire wrapper 9or may encompass part of the wrapper 9. Likewise, the signal color 21may encompass the entire container 27 or may encompass part of thecontainer 27.

Referring to FIG. 2 a, the signal colors 7 on the wrapper 9 mayencompass a design 39 and the signal color 21 on the exterior of thecontainer 27 may encompass a design 40. The designs 39, 40 can be anyshape such as rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, triangular,etc. The design 39, 40 can encompass one shape or a combination of theafore-mentioned shapes. The design 39, 40 can encompass one color orseveral colors. As seen in FIG. 2 b and FIG. 2 c, the wrapper 9encompasses a design 39.

Referring to FIG. 2 a, the signal color 7 and/or design 39 and thesignal color 21 and/or design 40 on the graphic 22 of the exterior ofthe container 27 may be variations of intensity and contrasting colors.When there is a design 39 on the wrapper 9 and/or article 6 to indicatea product characteristic and the design 39 has at least one color and/orshape, the signal color 7 on the wrapper 9 can be substantially similarto the signal color 21 on the exterior of the container 27. Moreover,when there is a design 39 on the wrapper 9 to indicate a productcharacteristic and the design 39 has at least one shape, the shapesincluded in the design 40 on the graphic 22 of the exterior of thecontainer 27 can be substantially similar to any of the shapes includedin the design 39 on the wrapper 9. If the design 39 has colors, at leastone color of the signal colors 7 is color coordinated with at least aportion of the exterior of the container 27. In an alternativeembodiment, the color and/or shape on the wrapper 9 can have a differentintensity than the color and/or shape on the exterior of the container27. By intensity, is meant the purity of the hue. For example, anintense red is one that is a very strong, pure red color. When a lighteror darker color is added to a color, the intensity will be less bright.In an alternative embodiment, the color and/or shape on the wrapper 9can have a contrasting color than the color and/or shape on the exteriorof the container 27. By contrast, is meant one light element and twodark elements.

Likewise, when there is a design 40 on the graphic 22 of the exteriorcontainer 27 to indicate a product characteristic and the design 40 hasat least one color and/or shape, the signal color 21 on the exteriorcontainer 27 can be substantially similar by way of color and/or shapeto the signal color 7 on the wrapper 9. Similarly, when there is adesign 40 on the exterior of the container 27 to indicate a productcharacteristic and the design 40 has at least one shape, the shapesincluded in the design 39 on the wrapper 9 can be substantially similarto any of the shapes included in the design 39 on the wrapper 9. If thedesign 40 has colors, at least one color of the signal colors 21 iscolor coordinated with at least a portion of wrapper 9.

By color coordinated, is meant the color of the design 39 on at least aportion of the wrapper 9 and the color of the design 40 on at least aportion of the exterior of the container 27 may be complimentary,analogous, warm/cool colors, monochromatic, and/or neutral. Referring toFIG. 2 d, by complimentary colors, is meant those colors which aredirectly opposite one other in the color spectrum or wheel. For example,blue 41 is the opposite of orange 42. Because blue 41 is the opposite oforange 42, gold, rust, and brown compliment shades of blue 41. Byanalogous colors, is meant those colors which are next to each other onthe color wheel. For example, blue 41 could be color coordinated withgreen 43. Referring to FIG. 2 d, by warm and cool colors, is meantfamilies of analogous colors. Warm colors are colors such as red 44,orange 42, and yellow 45. Cool colors are colors such as green 43, blue41, and violet 46. Warm and cool colors may be mixed together. Forexample two warm colors on the wrapper 9 may be selected to match withone cool color on the exterior of the container 27. In another example,two cool colors on the wrapper 9 may be color coordinated with a warmcolor on the exterior of the container 27. By monochromatic, is meantall one color, but different shades, tones, or tints. By neutral, ismeant shades of white, black, gray, or beige.

Referring to FIG. 1, the signal color 7 on the wrapper 9 of the article6 and the signal color 21 on the exterior of container 27 aresubstantially similar or the same color. The colors are substantiallysimilar if the colors closely resemble each other or if one color hasthe possibility of being mistaken for the other. A color is the “same”if the color corresponds so closely that is it indistinguishable.

When so employed, the signal colors 7, 21 provide an easy and intuitivemethod for selecting the proper absorbent article 6 (for example, thatwith the desired to absorbency). When the signal color 7 is used on thewrapper 9 of the article 6, the signal color 7 provides a method forselecting the proper absorbent articles 6. In addition, the signal color7 aides the consumer in identifying the absorbent article 6 when theabsorbent article 6 is removed from the container 27 and placed in thebathroom drawer, purse, etc. An important advantage of having the sameor substantially the same color for both the signal color 7 and thesignal color 21 placed on the exterior surface 38 of container 27 isthat the user is provided with the desired intuitive, selection, andusage means which is the object of this invention.

Many embodiments of absorbent articles are well-known in the art.Sanitary napkins, sanitary panties, interlabial devices, intravaginaldevices (tampons), adult incontinence articles, infant diapers,pantiliners, and the like, have been described in the extensive patentliterature and many such articles are in the stream of commerce. See,for example: for sanitary napkins U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,045 issued to Ahret al. and 4,556,146 issued to Swanson et al.; for tampons such as U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,087,239 issued to Beastall et al. and 5,279,541 issued toFrayman et al.; and for diapers such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,573,986 issuedto Minetola et al.; 4,695,278 issued to Lawson; 4,081,301 issued toBuell; and 4,515,595 issued to Kievit. Such articles contain anabsorbent structure, typically in the form of a “core” or pad. Variousfluid-permeable top layers, fluid-impermeable back layers,panty-protective “wings,” tape fasteners and the like, are optionallyused to construct elements for such articles and are all within theexperience of those of ordinary skilled in the art.

Likewise, the manufacture of such articles having differing absorbentcapacities (here, for the sake of simplicity, designated as “extra,”“regular,” and “light”) is also a matter of routine. By way of exampleand not intending to limit the present invention, a modern “extra”absorbent article will typically have an absorbent core comprising anabsorbent gelling materials (“AGM”) in combination with a cellulosicbatt of fibers. Conversely, a “light” absorbent article may compriseonly the fibrous batt, without the AGM. A “medium” absorbent article maycontain some intermediate level of AGM.

Again, without intending to limit the present invention, the followingcapacities (for menses) of absorbency designated as “extra,” “regular,”and “light,” respectively, will typically, but non-quantitatively, fallwithin ranges.

For Ultra Thin Pads

Size Retained Capacity Regular Length 25-30 grams Long Length 30 gramsLong Overnights 34-35 gramsFor Interlabial Devices:

Article Article Retained Capacity Size Length (mm) Caliper (mm) g @ .25psi g @ 1.0 psi Light 76 (−16%) 4.5 3.7 (−35%) 2.7 (−32%) Regular 91(Base) 5.5 5.7 (Base) 4.0 (Base)  Long 106 (+16%) 6.5 10.5 (+84%) 6.7(+67%)For Tampons:

Size Retained Capacity Junior absorbency: <6 grams Regular absorbency:6-9 grams Super absorbency: 9-12 grams Superplus absorbency: 12-15 gramsFor Disposable Diapers (as Urine):There are no mandatory absorbency ranges for diapers. The diapers aremarketed according to weight:PremieNewbornSmallSmall-MediumLargeExtra-Large.

Of course, the absorbent values of such capacities can be adjusted bythe manufacturer, as evidenced by the fact that it has becomecommonplace to designate absorbency using various descriptive, butnon-quantitative, terms such as “mini,” “regular,” “super,” “maxi,”“overnight,” and the like, as a guide to selection based on the user'sconception of expected absorbency performance, and perceived need.

The following examples illustrate the practice of the invention, but arenot intended to be limiting thereof.

Example I

Although the number of types of absorbent articles may vary as desired,three types of sanitary napkins are shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3,a “multi-pack” kit 12 comprising light, regular, and extra absorbencysanitary napkins is prepared. The kit 12 consists of three differentsignal colors 14, 15, and 16 to denote the respective absorbencies ofthe light, regular, and extra absorbency sanitary napkins within thekits. The signal color white 14 denotes light absorbency. The whitesignal color 14 is displayed on the graphic 23 which is on the exteriorcontainer 27. The signal color 14 and a distinctive design 39 isdisplayed on the wrapper 9. The signal color gray 15 denotes regularabsorbency. The gray signal color 15 is displayed on the graphic 24which is on the exterior container 27. The signal color 15 and adistinctive design 40 is displayed on the wrapper 9. The signal colorblack 16 denotes extra absorbency. The black signal color 16 isdisplayed on the graphic 25 which is on the exterior container 27. Thesignal color 16 and a distinctive design 41 is displayed on the wrapper9 of the article. The container of the “multi-pack” kit has threewindows 17, 18, and 19, which reveals the thickness of each type ofsanitary napkin by allowing a consumer to see the absorbent articlesthrough the windows.

In an alternate mode, the kit 12 can comprise a combination ofpantiliners, sanitary napkins, and interlabial devices, eachappropriately color-coded to indicate their respective differences inabsorbencies in the manner described above. FIG. 4 is the color legendfor white, black, and gray.

Example II

Another example is a diaper that has the performance characteristic ofsize. Multiple diapers are separately packaged in film unit wrappershaving the colors: green, pink, purple, blue, and yellow. ThePremie-sized diapers are packaged in green wrappers. The Newborn-sizeddiapers are packaged in pink wrappers. The Small-sized diapers arepackaged in purple wrappers. The Small-Medium-sized diapers are packedin blue wrappers. The Large-sized diapers are packed in yellow wrappers.

As shown in FIG. 1, window 10 is used to indicate and reinforceperformance characteristics by matching the color of the performancecharacteristic on the exterior of container 27 with the performancecharacteristic of the wrapper 9 of the article 6 or with just thearticle 6. The window 10 allows the consumer to know in advance thequality and characteristic of the product inside of the container 27.The window 10 empowers the consumer to quickly pick the right article 6,which in turn matches the value expectations of the article 6.

Referring primarily to FIG. 1, one or more windows 10 may be placed onits packaging in any shape such as droplets, circles, parallelepipeds,or the like. The window 10 may encompass the entire article or mayencompass part of the article 6. Specifically, window 10 may be placedanywhere on the container 27, e.g. on the top, sides, or bottom, or allthree. Furthermore, the overall trade dress of the article may use thewindow 10 in a variety of ways. When so employed, the window 10 providesan easy and intuitive method for identifying and selecting the properarticle 6 (for example, that with the desired absorbency). Anotherbenefit of the window is aiding the consumer in color recognition tochoose the right article 6 and identify the proper thickness of thearticle 6. Additionally, the consumer is able to visually inspect thearticle that decreases the consumer's need to open the package in thestore. Thus, the window 10 improves the communicational aspects to theconsumer of the article 6 inside of the container 27.

As shown in FIG. 1, the window 10 must be clear or substantially clearto see the article's performance characteristic or a portion of thearticle's performance characteristic. Within the context of thisdescription, the window 10 is “clear” if it provides the consumer thecapability of looking though the window 10 to view the article 6 or aportion of the article's performance characteristic. The term “clear”refers to the material capability of transmitting light so that thecomponent, or a portion thereof, can be seen as clearly as if there wereno intervening material between the component and the perceiver.Furthermore, the “see-through” clarity indicates the degree ofdistortion of an object that can be seen through a film. (See The Wiley“Encyclopedia of” packaging technology). The material for the window 10is clear or “substantially clear” when light readily passes through,such that the performance characteristic located opposite the clearmaterial can be viewed by the naked eye. The window 10 can be“substantially clear” when the window is frosted or not frosted in amatte or gloss finish.

Blown, cast, coextrusion, and laminations can be used for extruding aclear film that gives the advantage to print and leaves an areauncovered for a window. A possible window material can be any blend ofpolymer with no added pigments.

An additional window 11 may also be located on any part of the exteriorof the container 27 to act as a repurchase indicator. Specifically, arepurchase indicator provides the consumer a visual means to indicatethe amount of product in the package. The window 11 can be locatedanywhere on the container 27. The window 11 may be the entire container27 or any portion of the container 27. The window 11 may have ameasuring means of the articles 6 on the container 1 which indicates theamount of articles left in the container 27. The measuring means may beany means known in the art. The measuring means may be a line indicator20. The window 11 allows the consumer to easily determine the amount ofarticle 6 left in the container. As a result, the consumer can determinetheir need to acquire more of the particular article. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, the line indicator 20 indicates to the consumer thateight sanitary napkins are left in the container 27.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are,are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation ofany document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A package comprising: a container comprising alayer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the layerforming an interior space; the container comprising a first window onlyon a portion of a first side of the exterior surface; the containercontaining in the interior space a plurality of absorbent articlesconsisting of absorbent articles that are the same type, each having athickness and substantially the same absorbent capacity, each absorbentarticle being individually wrapped in a wrapper; and the exteriorsurface of the container comprising a first signal color correspondingto the absorbent capacity, and each of the wrappers comprising a secondsignal color corresponding to the absorbent capacity, the second signalcolor being a same hue but a different intensity than the first signalcolor, wherein at least a portion of the thickness of at least one ofthe absorbent articles can be viewed through the window.
 2. The packageof claim 1, wherein the wrapper comprises a design.
 3. The package ofclaim 1, wherein the first signal color and the second signal color area color selected from the group consisting of: blue, green, orange,yellow, lavender, violet, purple, and pink.
 4. The package of claim 1,wherein the window is provided in the form of a shape.
 5. The package ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent capacity is light, regular, medium,super, super plus, or overnight.
 6. The package of claim 1, wherein thecontainer further comprises a second window only on a portion of asecond side of the exterior surface.
 7. The package of claim 1, whereinthe window is frosted.
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein the layercomprises a printed film.
 9. A package comprising: a containercomprising a layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface,the layer forming an interior space; the container comprising a windowon only a portion of a side of the container; the container containingin the interior space a plurality of catamenial absorbent articlesconsisting of catamenial absorbent articles that are the same type, eachhaving substantially the same absorbent capacity, each catamenialabsorbent article being individually wrapped in a wrapper; and thewindow comprising a first signal color corresponding to the absorbentcapacity, and each of the wrappers comprising a second signal colorcorresponding to the absorbent capacity, the second signal color being asame hue but a different intensity than the first signal color, whereinat least a portion of the thickness of at least one of the absorbentarticles can be viewed through the window.
 10. The package of claim 9,wherein the first signal color and the second signal color are a colorthat is selected from the group consisting of: blue, green, orange,yellow, lavender, violet, purple, and pink.
 11. The package of claim 9,wherein the window is provided in the form of a shape.
 12. The packageof claim 9, wherein the absorbent capacity is light, regular, medium,super, super plus, or overnight.
 13. The package of claim 9, wherein thewindow is frosted.
 14. The package of claim 9, wherein the layercomprises a printed film.